This Issue:
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month
January is National Birth Defects Awareness Month
January 1 is National Blood Donor Month
January 11 is National Trafficking awareness Day
New Year's resolutions for the whole family
Bejeweled Rice Recipe
January Fun Family Activities
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January is Cervical Health Awareness Month
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, and
Newborn Nurses
wants you to know that there's a lot you can do to prevent cervical cancer. Each year, more than 11,000 women in the United States get cervical cancer.
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is a very common infection that spreads through sexual activity, and it causes almost all cases of cervical cancer. About 79 million Americans currently have HPV, but many people with HPV don't know they are infected.
The good news?
- The HPV vaccine (shot) can prevent HPV.
- Cervical cancer can often be prevented with regular screening tests and follow-up care.
In honor of National Cervical Health Awareness Month, Newborn Nurses encourages:
- Women to start getting regular cervical cancer screenings at age 21
- Parents to make sure pre-teens get the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12
Teens and young adults also need to get the HPV vaccine if they didn't get it as pre-teens. Women up to age 26 and men up to age 21 can still get the vaccine.
Thanks to the health care reform law, you and your family members may be able to get these services at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to learn more.
Taking small steps can help keep you safe and healthy.
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J
anuary is National Birth Defects Awareness
Month
A birth defect is a problem that occurs when a baby is developing in utero (in the womb). Approximately
1 out of every 33 babies in the United States is born with a birth defect.
Birth defects can be minor or severe. They may affect appearance, organ function, and physical and mental development. Most birth defects are present within the first three months of pregnancy, when the organs are still forming. Some birth defects are harmless. Others require long-term medical treatment. Severe birth defects are the leading cause of infant death in the United States, accounting for
20 percent of deaths.
Birth defects can be a result of:
- genetics
- lifestyle choices and behaviors
- exposure to certain medications and chemicals
- infections during pregnancy
- a combination of these factors
However, the exact causes of certain birth defects are often unknown.
Genetics
The mother or father may pass on genetic abnormalities to their baby. Genetic abnormalities occur when a gene becomes flawed due to a mutation, or change. In some cases, a gene or part of a gene might be missing. These defects happen at conception and often can't be prevented. A particular defect may be present throughout the family history of one or both parents.
Nongenetic causes
The causes of some birth defects can be difficult or impossible to identify. However, certain behaviors greatly increase the risk of birth defects. These include smoking, using illegal drugs, and drinking alcohol while pregnant. Other factors, such as exposure to toxic chemicals or viruses, also increase risk.
All pregnant women have some risk of delivering a child with a birth defect. Risk increases under any of the following conditions:
- family history of birth defects or other genetic disorders
- drug use, alcohol consumption, or smoking during pregnancy
- maternal age of 35 years or older
- inadequate prenatal care
- untreated viral or bacterial infections, including sexually transmitted infections
- use of certain high-risk medications, such as isotretinoin and lithium
- Women with pre-existing medical conditions, such as diabetes, are also at a higher risk of having a child with a birth defect.
Birth defects are typically classified as structural or functional and developmental.
Structural defects are when a specific body part is missing or malformed.
The most common structural defects are:
- heart defects
- cleft lip or palate, when there's an opening or split in the lip or roof of the mouth
- spina bifida, when the spinal cord doesn't develop properly
- clubfoot, when the foot points inward instead of forward
Functional or developmental birth defects cause a body part or system not to work properly. These often cause disabilities of intelligence or development. Functional or developmental birth defects include metabolic defects, sensory problems, and nervous system problems. Metabolic defects cause problems with the baby's body chemistry.
The most common types of functional or developmental birth defects include:
Some children face physical problems associated with specific birth defects. However, many children show no visible abnormalities. Defects can sometimes go undetected for months or even years after the child is born.
Many types of birth defects can be diagnosed during pregnancy. A healthcare professional can use
prenatal ultrasounds to help them diagnose certain birth defects in utero. More in-depth screening options, such as blood tests and
amniocentesis (taking a sample of the amniotic fluid), may also be done. These tests are usually offered to women who have higher-risk pregnancies due to family history, advanced maternal age, or other known factors.
Prenatal tests can help determine whether the mother has an infection or other condition that's harmful to the baby. A physical examination and hearing test may also help the doctor diagnose birth defects after the baby is born. A blood test called the newborn screen can help doctors diagnose some birth defects shortly after birth, before symptoms occur.
It's important to know that prenatal screening doesn't always find defects when they're present. A screening test can also falsely identify defects. However, most birth defects can be diagnosed with certainty after birth.
Treatment options vary depending on the condition and level of severity. Some birth defects can be corrected before birth or shortly after. Other defects, however, may affect a child for the rest of their life. Mild defects can be stressful, but they don't typically affect overall quality of life. Severe birth defects, such as
cerebral palsy or spina bifida, can cause long-term disability or even death. Speak with your doctor about the appropriate treatment for your child's condition.
Medications: Medications may be used to treat some birth defects or to lower the risk of complications from certain defects. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to the mother to help correct an abnormality before birth.
Surgeries: Surgery can fix certain defects or ease harmful symptoms. Some people with physical birth defects, such as cleft lip, may undergo plastic surgery for either health or cosmetic benefits. Many babies with heart defects will need surgery, as well.
Home care: Parents may be instructed to follow specific instructions for feeding, bathing, and monitoring an infant with a birth defect.
Many birth defects can't be prevented, but there are some ways to lower the risk of having a baby with a birth defect. Women who plan to become pregnant should start taking folic acid supplements before conception. These supplements should also be taken throughout the pregnancy. Folic acid can help prevent defects of the spine and brain. Prenatal vitamins are also recommended during pregnancy.
Women should avoid alcohol, drugs, and tobacco during and after pregnancy. They should also use caution when taking certain medications. Some medications that are normally safe can cause serious birth defects when taken by a pregnant woman. Make sure to tell your doctor about any medications you may be taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
Most vaccines are safe during pregnancy. In fact, some vaccines can help prevent birth defects. There is a theoretical risk of harm to a developing fetus with some live-virus vaccines, so these kinds should not be given during pregnancy. You should ask your doctor which vaccines are necessary and safe.
Maintaining a healthy weight also helps reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy. Women with pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes, should take special care to manage their health.
It's extremely important to attend regular prenatal appointments. If your pregnancy is considered high risk, your doctor can do additional prenatal screening to identify defects. Depending on the type of defect, your doctor may be able to treat it before the baby is born.
Genetic counseling
A genetic counselor can advise couples with family histories of a defect or other risks factors for birth defects. A counselor may be helpful when you're thinking about having children or already expecting. Genetic counselors can determine the likelihood that your baby will be born with defects by evaluating family history and medical records. They may also order tests to analyze the genes of the mother, father, and baby.
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January 1, is is National Blood Donor Day
'Share Life, Give Blood'
World Blood Donor Day 2019 . It is an annual event, usually on the same date each year, to thank voluntary blood donors and acknowledge them and encourage blood donation and new donors, especially by representing how blood donations have saved and changed lives. The Day has the slogan 'Share Life, Give Blood', referring to the caring and cohesion that giving blood and caring for others involves.
One of the aims of the day is to encourage younger people, who might be a bit nervous or unsure about giving blood, to feel encouraged to sign up and start donating, so that the donor population doesn't decline but stays strong. It is also to highlight the need to for donations to be regular in order to keep stocks and quality of blood donations high
Blood donation saves millions of lives annually and helps with the recovery and health of patients who have illnesses or injuries, complex operations or childbirth problems. Blood stocks are also essential in natural and man-made disasters. Some blood types are rare, so promoting the need for rare donor types is also part of this event. World Blood Donor Day is vital in highlighting the need for blood donors and regular donations.
Many countries still have a shortage of donors, and thus World Blood Donor Day is vital to these countries to raise awareness of blood donation and thus increase supply in order to save as many lives as possible.
https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/world-blood-donor-day-2019/
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NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS DAY
- January 11
NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS DAY
National Human Trafficking Awareness Day is observed annually on January 11.
Following is an excerpt from the above link:
"As we work to dismantle trafficking networks and help survivors rebuild their lives, we must also address the underlying forces that push so many into bondage. We must develop economies that create legitimate jobs, build a global sense of justice that says no child should ever be exploited, and empower our daughters and sons with the same chances to pursue their dreams. This month, I call on every nation, every community, and every individual to fight human trafficking wherever it exists. Let us declare as one that slavery has no place in our world, and let us finally restore to all people the most basic rights of freedom, dignity, and justice."
HOW TO OBSERVED
Use #
HumanTraffickingAwarenessDay
to post on social media.
HISTORY
The United States Senate designated January 11 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day in 2007.
There are over 1,500 national days. Don't miss a single one. Celebrate Every Day with
National Day Calendar
!
https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-human-trafficking-awareness-day-january-11/
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New Year's resolutions for the whole family
Here's a roundup of the resolutions you and your family should make now to ensure a fabulous 2019.
Making your family better, stronger, more harmonious may not require a complete overhaul, but rather a few strategic tweaks. Here's a roundup of the resolutions you and your family should make now to ensure a fabulous 2019!
1. Hold family meetings.
Give everyone in the family-including the kids-an opportunity to be heard. Provide the space for feuding family members to voice their feelings in a setting that models respectful communication and conflict resolution. Brainstorm beefs. Strategize solutions to stumbling blocks. You'll get greater cooperation when decisions are made mutually.
2. Say no to sarcasm.
Scorn is just anger thinly disguised with a sneer. So, cut the contempt. If you're mad, be mad. Communicating your feelings honestly and openly makes room for problem solving.
Sarcasm complicates true communication and squeezes out solutions.
3. Laugh. A lot.
Laughter fills up the family's good-will tank, making your family more resilient in tough times. It also paves the way for positive parenting. What was it Mary Poppins said? "A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down." Well, corrections are more easily digested when coated in honey. So, lighten up a little.
4. Focus on quality, not quantity.
If I told you to spend more time together as a family, you'd probably retort that with, "There's just no time." I get it. Life is busy. But, building those vital bonds of belonging-whether with your kids or your spouse-is accomplished in moments, not hours. However, you've got to make those moments count. Be mindful. Put away your smart phone, and be fully present and engaged for a short while.
5. Don't forget date nights.
In our efforts to put "family first," we inadvertently put our marriages last. That's a problem. Our partnership is of primary importance-parents are the bedrock of family life, the executives heading the corporation. So, you two need to stay tight. And in order to stay connected as loving partners, you need to put in the time away from the kids. And, on that note...
6. Practice some self-care.
You can't be a good parent, or a good partner, if your tank is empty. We don't fully appreciate how depleted we can get-and how drastically that can affect our interactions with others in our family. We start to sweat the small stuff, harbour resentment, become bitter when we've denied our own needs. There's nothing that a good yoga class or night out with friends can't fix. So, re-fuel frequently, and you'll get more mileage as a parent.
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Bejeweled Rice Recipe
INGREDIENTS
- â…“ cup unsalted, shelled pistachios
- â…“ cup slivered almonds
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 large carrots, peeled, thinly sliced into rounds on a mandoline
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- Kosher salt
- 8 scallions, dark green parts and white parts separated, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 3 cups long-grain rice, rinsed
- ¾ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¾ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ teaspoon ground turmeric
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 2 teaspoons finely grated orange zest
- 1 cup mixed unsweetened dried fruit (such as golden raisins, cranberries, and/or sour cherries)
RECIPE PREPARATION
- Preheat oven to 350°. Arrange pistachios and almonds on opposite sides of a rimmed baking sheet and toast, shaking pan gently halfway through, until almonds are golden brown and pistachios are slightly darkened, 6-8 minutes. Let cool, then coarsely chop pistachios
- Meanwhile, heat 1 Tbsp. oil in a large heavy pot over medium. Cook carrots, stirring occasionally, until softened but haven't taken on any color, 8-10 minutes. Stir in sugar and a pinch of salt and cook until sugar dissolves, about 1 minute more. Transfer carrot mixture to a medium bowl.
- Heat remaining 3 Tbsp. oil in same pot over medium. Cook scallion whites and garlic, stirring occasionally, until softened, 4-6 minutes. Stir in rice, red pepper flakes, cardamom, cinnamon, and turmeric; cook, stirring often, until some grains are translucent, about 3 minutes. Add 3¾ cups water, season with 1 Tbsp. salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender, 15-18 minutes. Remove from heat, add butter and orange zest, and fluff rice with a fork. Cover pot and let rice steam 10 minutes.
- Spoon pilaf onto a platter. Top with neatly defined rows of dried fruit, almonds, pistachios, carrots, and scallion greens.
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January Fun Family Activities
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